Friday, November 05, 2004
Subjects for further review: "If Only You Knew" by Patti LaBelle
An anomaly in Patti’s catalog, and not just because it’s, believe it or not, her only solo R&B #1. No, the real reason is because it’s so subtle. LaBelle is a superlative singer who often lets her natural gifts get in the way of her songs, oversinging beyond belief: "Over the Rainbow," indeed. But on this gem of a single, she tones it down and takes a gentle approach; "If Only" isn’t bombastic, it’s delicate, which is certainly not something commonly associated with Patti LaBelle singles (why d’you think she’s so popular with drag queens?). There’s even a woodwind solo – no, really, a woodwind solo. Less is more, and this proves it.
An anomaly in Patti’s catalog, and not just because it’s, believe it or not, her only solo R&B #1. No, the real reason is because it’s so subtle. LaBelle is a superlative singer who often lets her natural gifts get in the way of her songs, oversinging beyond belief: "Over the Rainbow," indeed. But on this gem of a single, she tones it down and takes a gentle approach; "If Only" isn’t bombastic, it’s delicate, which is certainly not something commonly associated with Patti LaBelle singles (why d’you think she’s so popular with drag queens?). There’s even a woodwind solo – no, really, a woodwind solo. Less is more, and this proves it.
# posted by Thomas : 7:27 PM
